Avalanche Set To Begin NHL Decade-Best 25th Playoff Series

DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club is set to begin its 25th playoff series since the club arrived in Denver in 1995, most among all NHL clubs over the last decade of NHL hockey. The Avalanche will meet the Dallas Stars in the first round of the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs, marking the 11th consecutive post-season appearance for the franchise, the second-longest current streak in the NHL (tied w/Philadelphia).

The Avalanche heads into the 2006 playoffs tied with the Detroit Red Wings for most playoff series wins over the last ten seasons (17). Dates and times for the first playoff round will be made official by the NHL in the next 36 hours.

The 2005-06 Avalanche achieved a number of historically significant accomplishments during its 10th anniversary season in Denver:

WINS: This season's Avalanche squad surpassed its previous two seasons win totals (43) and went 24-13-6 in its final 43 games of the season.

SCORING: Colorado's 280 goals this season ranked second in the Western Conference and fourth among all NHL clubs. It was also the second-highest tally in Avalanche history, second only to the 1995-96 club.

DEFENSIVE CONTRIBUTIONS: Avalanche blue liners chipped in for 52 goals this season, tied for most in the NHL; recorded second-most points in franchise history (204).

SPECIAL TEAMS: The Avalanche power play finished the season ranked 9th, the 10th consecutive top-10 finish in that category. Its 89 power play goals were the highest in Avalanche history and fourth highest in franchise history.

The Avalanche penalty kill unit was sixth-best overall, giving the team just its second top-10 ranking in its last seven seasons.

FIRST PERIOD GOALS: Colorado's 99 first period goals accounted for the highest total by an NHL club since the Avalanche squad in 1995-96 scored 105 first period goals.